MEET JOANNE WILLIAMS
JoAnne Williams, founder of JWilliams Staffing and Impact Giving Partner, grew up in rural South Dakota. As a single mother of two small children, with less than $1,200 in her pocket and plenty of ambition, she relocated to Southern California. In late 2003, drawing on over a decade of experience as a sales and marketing executive in homebuilding, a passion for investing in others, and an unrelenting entrepreneurial drive, JoAnne took out a home equity loan, sectioned off ½ of her garage for an office, and made a giant leap of faith – JWilliams Staffing opened for business in January 2004.
Having chaired the Board of Directors of the Building Industry of Southern California’s Sales and Marketing Council and as a guest lecturer of the National Association of Home Builders for University of California, Irvine, JoAnne utilized her real estate industry and educational experience to develop a unique training curriculum, making it easy for her clients to hire JWS’ temporary associates. JWilliams Staffing quickly became the largest real estate staffing firm in the nation and has launched the careers of over 24,000 professionals (YE2022). JoAnne is a unique and successful business owner who strategically leads a recognized Fastest-Growing Private Company with 45 full-time employees and 2,100 temporary associates while maintaining active involvement in her team’s personal and professional growth.
Fostering an organizational culture of trust, learning, recognition, and support, JoAnne develops industry leaders. JoAnne was awarded the BJ Stewart Women’s Achievement Award in 2005, nominated for the Orange County Business Journal’s Women in Business Award in October of 2022. Her company, with current revenues over $20 million, was also recognized as one of the Top Workplaces in Orange County in 2022 by the Orange County Register.
We asked JoAnne a few questions about her philanthropic career. Check out her answers below!
How are you involved in the nonprofit community?
I am thrilled to be involved in several nonprofit organizations. And, my company has a Volunteer Time Off (VTO) program which provides full-time employees with the opportunity to actively participate in giving back to our communities one day at a time. One of our 5 corporate CORE VALUES is “Community Giving” so supporting charities of their choice is encouraged.
California Love Drop: In the height of the coronavirus pandemic, our team went out and helped hand deliver dozens of meals to our frontline heroes.
The Boys & Girls Club where I attend the various fund raising events each year and I am anxious to become further involved this year.
Mosaic Vision: I adopted two young ladies in Uganda in 2016 – providing resources
Families Forward: My JWilliams corporate family and I participate in Families Forward's Back to School and holiday Adopt-a-Family programs each year to provide much needed school supplies and holiday gifts for local children in need.
Home Aid: My team and I donate their time and money to purchase diapers
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society: I was proud to sponsor Valerie Sargent, who won Woman of the Year in 2022 for Orange County/Inland Empire.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Foundation: I proudly give annually to the MS foundation to provide physical, emotional, and financial assistance for families affected by it.
Why did you join Impact Giving and what is your favorite part about being a Partner?
I was invited to join about 7 years ago and at the time, several friends were involved. It was my first exposure to the process of Grant Giving. Additionally, it was a year when my financial resources were rather scarce so the concept of collective giving made sense to me. I loved this experience and have continued to be involved each year. The fellow Partners I have met are exceptional….they are authentically caring, kind and REAL!
My favorite part of being a Partner is the inside peek at how GREAT organizations are doing GREAT work. It’s so inspirational to hear the stories of struggle and eventual success many achieve. Being involved in helping to make a difference at this granular level really excites me and feeds my soul.
What is your role with Impact Giving?
Most years I have served on a Grant Committee but haven’t chaired one yet. Maybe next year when I have more time and can be an exceptional chair. Our Partners deserve that level of focus and I have had repeated wonderful experiences serving on each Grant Committee…both in-person and virtually.
This year was an exceptional year as I sponsored two of my employees as “Junior Partners” through my business - Kayleigh Wood and Joanna Rojas. The price is lower to belong and I felt introducing them more intimately to our corporate CORE VALUE of Community Giving was an investment in their future of interest in charitable giving. I guess I had the expectation that they might enjoy the process but I was not prepared for how they are describing their feelings of joy about it. We even talked about ourselves as “the total person” and how this role is another aspect of their entire identity. They both participated on Grant Committees this year (not my requirement) and LOVED it! One of them, Kayleigh, has jumped in to volunteer for our Impact Giving Awards night on June 8th and anything else she can do to be a spokesperson to recruit and engage new likeminded young members.
Do you have any advice for future Impact Giving Partners
Get involved! The Partners will help guide you through the committee process and provide the details you need to be informed and comfortable with your participation. The women in this group are going to welcome you and assist in helping to understand the mission. And, you will be provided the opportunity to meet some genuine super stars in the non-profit world. Impact Giving Partners are caring, focused and hard-working women who collectively give to outstanding organizations in need of a grant to improve their ability to substantially impact others.
What are you responsible for outside of Impact Giving?
My three grown children and my 6 year old granddaughter bring me such joy. Tom, my hubby and I are practically newlyweds (five years) and we have been busy with remodeling the home we purchased together. As founder and CEO of JWilliams Staffing, I continue to be involved in the daily operations but my role is shifting to a greater emphasis on leadership development, mentoring and service offerings and expansion. I am also a member of Women’s Presidents Organization (WPO), a dynamic and diverse collective of women business leaders around the world who share insight in groups facilitated to drive game-changing experiences.
In you spare time, what hobbies or experiences do you partake in?
My husband, Tom, and I LOVE to travel…we are planning a trip this year (with children) to Italy for two weeks. We all like to explore new places and avoid the usual tourist sites…choosing instead to be off the beaten path. We also have “sand toys” and large fifth-wheel “glamping” gear which we enjoy with Tom’s children and grandchildren. Zion National Park Region in Utah for 10 days as an example, is coming up in June.
Do you have any personal goals you hope to achieve in the next few years?
More time with my family is number one. Besides our local family, we have friends/family in various states we would love to plan more time with in these next few years. I also continue to become more involved in the non-profit world and am excited to contribute as time permits.